Derivvs
KuCoinCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two very different crypto trading setups collide: Deriv blends CFDs and synthetic indices with a low entry barrier, while KuCoin focuses on a broad altcoin universe and native exchange features.
Who should choose Deriv vs KuCoin?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose if…
Choose Deriv if you want a very low minimum deposit and access to MT5 and DXtrade.
Choose if…
Choose KuCoin if you want a native crypto exchange with a broad coin universe and transparent pricing.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
Deriv vs KuCoin: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  Deriv |  KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $5 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0.5 pips | N/A |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 0.10% |
Deriv vs KuCoin Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very low minimum deposit ($5), accessible entry to crypto CFDs
- DTrader and MT5 platforms with flexible order types
- 24/7 trading on synthetic indices alongside crypto
Cons
- Regulated primarily by VFSC (Vanuatu), offshore jurisdiction
- Crypto CFD selection is limited vs dedicated exchanges
Deriv vs KuCoin: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Deriv
criteria win
5
KuCoin
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | Deriv | KuCoin |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Pass |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Fail |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Fail | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Pass |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Fail |
Deriv vs KuCoin: Frequently Asked Questions
KuCoin rates 3.9/5 versus 3.4/5 for Deriv. KuCoin edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Deriv lists a spread from 0.5. Current spread data is not available for KuCoin. Check both exchanges' full fee schedules, including maker/taker rates, for up-to-date pricing.
KuCoin has no minimum deposit, while Deriv requires at least $5. This makes KuCoin more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Deriv is regulated by FSC BVI, LFSA. KuCoin is regulated by authorities listed on their website. Confirm a exchange's current regulatory status on the relevant regulator's public register before opening an account.
For beginners, KuCoin has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely. Both exchanges otherwise share similar beginner-facing criteria in our data. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each exchanges's site.
Deriv offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus KuCoin's 10:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
KuCoin charges $0.1 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Deriv are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
Deriv supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, DXtrade, MetaTrader 5, while KuCoin supports KuCoin. Deriv has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and DXtrade and MetaTrader 5. KuCoin has exclusive access to KuCoin.
KuCoin scores higher on security criteria, with cold storage. For crypto, cold storage and proof of reserves are key indicators that client assets are protected against exchange failure or hacks.
KuCoin scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
KuCoin offers staking while Deriv does not according to our data. Staking lets you earn passive yield on your crypto holdings directly through the exchange. Check KuCoin's supported coins, lock-up terms, and estimated yields before committing.
KuCoin lists 500+ coins while Deriv does not meet this threshold in our data. For traders who want access to many altcoins, KuCoin has the broader selection. Confirm specific coin availability for your region on each exchange's website.
